Bipolar Disorder?

Question

I would like to know what are good techniques for dealing with bipolar disorder. There are times when i feel happy and content, then all of a sudden i become sad and depressed. Can anyone give me good advise on how to manage my mood swings. I am currently taking meds to help aide, but would like some additional tips on how to manage my mood swings.

Answer 1

You don't have to do any mind exercises or use any tricks. The meds will do it for you. It's just a matter of biology. Once the pills start doing their thing, you'll be able to do your thing, better.

If they don't work after 3 weeks, tell your doc.

Answer 2

Journaling or keeping track of when these episodes of depression happen can help you figure out if something is triggering it (a food, a memory, a smell, hormones, the weather). That can help you know when to predict them and help you to better cope with them. Keep a list of things you enjoy doing (watching a movie, reading a book, going for a walk, taking a hot bath, calling a friend, etc) that you can turn to when you get down, your brain can not be sad and happy at the same time. This is why laughter is good medicine, it tricks the brain into thinking you're happy. It can help break the "cycle" of negative thoughts and memories that often flood your brain when you feel down. Take your meds everyday, keeping the neurotransmitter levels the same is important. If these medications dont seem to be having an effect there are others you can try. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

Most mental health professionals now utilize the biopsychosocial model to understand and treat such conditions as bipolar disorder. This means you need to consider biological (including genetic), psychological, and social factors to help with your mood swings. You stated that you are taking meds already to address the physiological component. That's good but consider reassessing with a good psychiatrist to perhaps find even more effective ones for you. In addition to meds consider a good balance of exercise, yoga, eating right, getting adequate sleep, and doing meditation or self hypnosis. Regarding the psychological aspect, focus on the premise of cognitive therapy: how you think dictates how you feel. We all are prone to distortions in our thinking (e.g. catastrophizing, mind reading, filtering, etc.). When we examine these (instead of letting them go unchecked) and replace with more accurate thoughts, we can feel much better (do a Google search on cognitive distortions, David Burns or Aaron Beck). Finally social support is also important. In addition to family and friends, consider a local support group or psychotherapy group.

Answer 4

You need to talk with your doctor about the problems you're having. You may need to change your medication - anti-depressants alone are not a good idea for bipolar people. Bipolar disorder is very tricky to treat, as it can be very difficult to find the right medication in the right dose. Hopefully, you are working with a psychiatrist rather than a generalist, as a psychiatrist will have more experience dealing with bipolar disorder.

Answer 5

Exercise! It releases endorphins in your brain, which makes you feel good, and the more you exercise, the longer the good feeling lasts. My wife and I are both bi-polar and we have found that exercise has done wonders for our mental health.We've had fewer episodes,and we've stayed out of the hospital. So check with your doctor first, then start slow,then in no time,you will be feeling better!

Answer 6

I also am bipolar and it's nothin to really to worry about, ur gonna have days when u feel like this it's normal. u have just got to take it easy when u feel like this it will pass.Take it from someone who has it and brothers who have it..Just when u start to feel bad just go into ur room and listen to music or to just relax to get ur self together.u will be fine after a while...I hope i helped u some...Breanna

Answer 7

All those Meds really do is make the problem worse, because the day you don't have those Meds you go berserk.

Answer 8

Talking to a therapist can help.

Answer 9

write and talk about something exciting,entertaining. .whatever interest you.